Wilhelm
Wilhelm is a boy's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Resolute protector, desiring protection, or headstrong helmet.
Origin and history
Wilhelm is a traditional Germanic name composed of elements meaning 'will' or 'desire' and 'helmet' or 'protection'. It is the German cognate of the English name William. In the United States, it remains a relatively rare classic choice, often selected to honor German heritage.
Popularity in the United States
1,828 babies in the United States have been named Wilhelm since 1880. It ranks #2997 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1774.
States where it is most popular
- NY (40.7 %)
- CA (29.6 %)
- MN (11.1 %)
- IA (9.3 %)
- PA (9.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 41 |
| 1890-1900 | 26 |
| 1900-1910 | 37 |
| 1910-1920 | 183 |
| 1920-1930 | 122 |
| 1930-1940 | 109 |
| 1940-1950 | 67 |
| 1950-1960 | 113 |
| 1960-1970 | 167 |
| 1970-1980 | 124 |
| 1980-1990 | 123 |
| 1990-2000 | 125 |
| 2000-2010 | 205 |
| 2010-2019 | 233 |
| 2020-2029 | 153 |
Famous people named Wilhelm
- Wilhelm Röntgen: Physicist, Nobel Laureate
- Wilhelm Grimm: Author, Linguist
Nicknames
Will, Wilm
Fun facts
- Wilhelm was the regal name of multiple German emperors and Prussian kings.
- Wilhelm shares the exact same Germanic roots as the common English name William.